Treatment apparatus with frequency controlled treatment depth

ABSTRACT

An electro-surgical system actively maintains an optimal heating profile at the electrode-patient contact surface under varying load resistivity, thereby reducing the risk of burns and maximizing patient comfort. A set of temperature sensors is integrated within the electrode assembly of the electrosurgical system. The sensors are located both at the center and the edges of the electrode. The sensors are thermally coupled to the electrode-patient contact surface. As RF power is applied, a control loop monitors the temperature at the center and edges of the electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode is high compared to its center temperature, then the control loop increases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the center of the electrode. Conversely, if the edge temperature of the electrode is low compared to its center temperature, then the control loop decreases the operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the edges of the electrode.

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/371,103, filed Feb. 13, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to apparatus and methods forelectro-surgery and, in particular, to utilization of active frequencycontrol to maintain an optimal spatial heating profile for anelectro-surgical apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Eddy-current effects tend to force high frequency RF currents towardsthe outer surface of any conductor, biological or metal. This tendency,known as the “skin effect,” is dependent upon the bulk resistivity ofthe conductor and the operating frequency.

At the electrode-patient contact in electro-surgical applications, theskin effect tends to force currents towards the edge of the electrode,resulting in significant tissue heating at the electrode edges. This isa major concern in electro-surgical treatments since second or thirddegree burns are possible, particularly if the patient is anesthetized.

Adding a distributed reactance to the electrode contact surfacesignificantly reduces burn risks by cancelling the skin effect to firstorder, producing a considerably more uniform heating profile. However,since bulk resistivity is a direct factor in the skin effect equation,changes in the tissue resistivity surrounding the electrode can stillsignificantly alter the heating profile during treatment if theoperating frequency is fixed.

There are several known approaches to addressing this problem. In onesuch approach, a fixed operating frequency is selected frommulti-dimensional lookup tables, based upon measurements of fatthickness and other empirical parameters. In a second approach,treatment is performed at a fixed power level or power cycling profileand is terminated upon indication of excessive skin temperature. In athird approach, treatment is performed at a fixed power level or powercycling profile and is terminated upon patient request.

It is, however, desirable to have available a treatment system andmethod that eliminates the need for lookup tables and actively maintainsan optimal spatial heating profile under varying load resistivity,thereby reducing the risk of burns and maximizing patient comfort at agiven power level.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a set of temperature sensorsis integrated within the electrode assembly of an electro-surgicalsystem. The sensors are located both at the center and the edge of theelectrode. The sensors are thermally coupled to the electrode-patientcontact surface and have a time response that is short compared to thethermal time constraints of the tissue. Some degree of signal processingmay take place at the sensor, inside the transducer assembly. As RFpower is applied, a control loop monitors the temperature at the centerand edge of the electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode ishigh compared to its center temperature, then the control loop increasesthe operating frequency, effectively driving heat towards the center ofthe electrode. Conversely, if the edge temperature of the electrode islow compared to its center temperature, then the control loop decreasesthe operating frequency, effectively moving heat towards the edges ofthe electrode. By actively adjusting the operating frequency in thisway, the control loop maintains any chosen heating profile at theelectrode-patient contact surface. The control system can use either astate machine or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm forthe frequency control loop.

The features and advantages of the various aspects of the presentinvention will be more fully understood and appreciated uponconsideration of the following detailed description of the invention andthe accompanying drawings, which set forth an illustrative embodiment inwhich the concepts of the invention are utilized.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus including an active electrode unit having a spiral inductor,according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus including a return electrode unit having a spiral inductor,according to another alternate embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A schematically represents a spiral for a spiral inductor, as seenin plan view, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B schematically represents a spiral of a spiral inductor having avariable pitch, as seen in plan view, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 4C schematically represents a spiral of a spiral inductor, as seenin side view, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a multi-layer spiral inductor, as seenin side view, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A schematically represents a spiral inductor, including aplurality of vertically stacked spirals, having electrical connectionsbetween turns of each spiral, as seen in side view, according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B schematically represents a multi-layer spiral inductor,including a plurality of vertically stacked spirals, showing connectionsbetween turns of each spiral, as seen in plan view, according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7A schematically represents a spiral inductor having asubstantially circular or oval configuration, as seen in plan view,according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B schematically represents a spiral inductor having asubstantially square or rectangular configuration, as seen in plan view,according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus including an active electrode unit having a spiral inductor,according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9A schematically represents a spiral inductor for an activeelectrode unit, as seen in plan view, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9B schematically represents a spiral inductor for an activeelectrode unit, as seen in side view, according to another embodiment ofthe invention.

FIG. 9C schematically represents a multi-layer spiral inductor includinga plurality of vertically stacked spirals, as seen in side view,according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A schematically represents an active electrode unit including atreatment face defined by a plurality of co-planar spiral inductors, asseen in plan view, according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B schematically represents the active electrode unit of FIG. 10A,as seen in perspective view, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 schematically represents an electro-surgical apparatus includinga plurality of spiral inductors, according to another embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out the invention. The invention is described in thecontext of subject matter disclosed in co-pending and commonly-assignedapplication Ser. No. 11/966,895, filed on Dec. 28, 2007, by Greg Leyh.However, the description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but ismade merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles ofthe invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by theappended claims.

Broadly, the present invention provides apparatus and methods forperforming electro-surgical procedures in a safe and effective mannerwhile preventing the uneven treatment of a target tissue and/or patientburns. Patient burns are known to occur using apparatus and methods ofthe prior art due to uneven distribution of electric current densityover the surface of conventional return electrodes. In contrast to priorart devices, a set of temperature sensors is integrated within theelectrode assembly of the electro-surgical instrument. The sensors arelocated both at the center and the edges of the electrode. The sensorsare thermally coupled to the electrode-patient contact surface and havea time response that is short compared to the thermal time constraintsof the tissue. Some degree of signal processing may take place at thesensor, inside the transducer assembly. As RF power is applied, acontrol loop monitors the temperature at the center and at the edges ofthe electrode. If the edge temperature of the electrode is high comparedto its center temperature, then the control loop increases the operatingfrequency, effectively driving heat towards the center of the electrode.Conversely, if the edge temperature of the electrode is low compared toits center temperature, then the control loop decreases the operatingfrequency, effectively driving heat toward the edges of the electrode.By actively adjusting the operating frequency, the control loopmaintains any chosen heating profile at the electrode-patient contactsurface, thereby preventing patient burns.

The apparatus and methods of the present invention may find manyapplications, including a broad range of electro-surgical procedures andother biomedical procedures. Such procedures may involve, for example,without limitation: cutting and/or coagulation during general surgery,as well as various cosmetic procedures, and the like.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. Electro-surgicalsystem 10 of FIG. 1 may include an electro-surgical generator or powersupply 15, an electro-surgical instrument 20, a control loop 25, and adispersive return pad 50. Electro-surgical system 10 may be configuredfor monopolar electro-surgery. Power supply 15 may be configured forsupplying electrical energy, such as radiofrequency (RF) alternatingcurrent, to electro-surgical instrument 20. Electro-surgical instrument20 may be configured for electrical coupling to power supply 15, and forapplying electrical energy to a patient's body or tissue(s) during aprocedure. Embodiments of an electro-surgical instrument 20 areschematically represented hereinbelow (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 11,infra). Dispersive return pad 50 may include a return electrode unit 60.Dispersive return pad 50 may be configured for promoting contact betweenreturn electrode unit 60 and a patient's body.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.Electro-surgical system 10′ of FIG. 2 may include an electro-surgicalinstrument 20 having an active electrode unit 30. Active electrode unit30 may be configured for electrical coupling to power supply 15. Activeelectrode unit 30 may include at least one spiral inductor, which may bereferred to herein as an active spiral inductor 32. Active spiralinductor(s) 32 may be configured for applying electrical energy to apatient's body (see, for example, FIG. 11). Active spiral inductor 32may have suitable self-inductance for promoting the even distribution ofelectrical current density thereover while active electrode unit 60 isapplying electrical energy to the patient's body during a procedure.Active spiral inductor 32 may comprise one or more spirals ofelectrically conductive metal (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-C, 5, 6A-B, and 9C).Active spiral inductor 32 is connected to power supply 15 via controlloop 25.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalapparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. Theelectro-surgical system 10″ of FIG. 3 may include a return electrodeunit 60, a power supply 15 and a control loop 25. Return electrode unit60 may include a spiral inductor, which may be referred to herein as areturn spiral inductor 62, and a feedpoint 64 electrically coupled toreturn spiral inductor 62. In an embodiment, return spiral inductor 62may comprise a plurality of spirals of electrically conductive metal,wherein the plurality of spirals are stacked and electricallyinterconnected (see, for example, FIG. 4A-C, 5 and 6A-B). Return spiralinductor 62 may be configured for contacting a patient's body. Returnspiral inductor 62 may have suitable self-inductance for promoting theeven distribution of electrical current density thereover while returnelectrode unit 60 is receiving electrical energy from the patient's bodyduring a procedure.

Electrically Conductive Spirals and Spiral Inductors

There now follows a description of electrically conductive spirals andspiral inductors that may be used in a broad range of applications inaccordance with the concepts of the invention.

FIG. 4A schematically represents a spiral of electrically conductivematerial, as seen in plan view. Spiral 44 may include a plurality ofturns 45 and an inner terminus 47 a. Only a few of the radially innerturns of spiral 44 are shown in FIG. 4A, whereas spiral 44 may comprisefrom about 10 to 200 or more turns, typically from about 20 to 150turns, often from about 30 to 150 turns, and usually from about 40 to120 turns. As an example, spiral 44 may comprise a spiral trace of anelectrically conductive metal, such as Cu, Al, or various alloys, asnon-limiting examples. In an embodiment, spiral 44 may comprise afilament of the electrically conductive metal, wherein the filament maybe disposed on a support layer 24. In an embodiment, spiral 44 may beformed (e.g. onto a substrate) by a printing process or a printing-likeprocess.

As shown in FIG. 4A, spiral 44 may have a pitch, Pt, representing aradial distance between the radial midpoints of adjacent turns 45. Thepitch of spiral 44 may be in the range of from about 0.1 mm to 10 mm ormore, typically from about 0.2 mm to 9 mm, often from about 0.25 to 5mm, and in some embodiments from about 0.3 to 1.5 mm. In an embodiment,the pitch of spiral 44 may be constant or substantially constant. Inother embodiments, the pitch of spiral 44 may vary (see, e.g., FIGS.4B-C).

Turns 45 of spiral 44 may have a width, Wt, wherein the width, Wt is aradial distance across each turn 45. The width of each of turns 45 maytypically be in the range of from about 0.05 mm to 10 mm or more,typically from about 0.15 to 9 mm, often from about 0.2 to 5 mm, and insome embodiments from about 0.25 to 1.5 mm. In an embodiment, the widthof the various turns 45 may be constant or substantially constant. Inother embodiments, the width of turns 45 may vary (see, e.g., FIGS.4B-C). A profile or cross-sectional shape of turns 45 may besubstantially rectangular or rounded; typically the width of each turn45 may be greater than its height.

A gap, G may exist between adjacent turns 45 of spiral 44, wherein thegap may represent a radial distance between opposing edges of adjacentturns 45. The gap is typically less than the pitch, usually the gap issubstantially less than the pitch, and often the gap is considerablyless than the pitch. The gap between turns 45 of spiral 44 may typicallybe in the range of from about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, usually from about 0.15to 0.4 mm, and often from about 0.15 to 0.3 mm. In an embodiment, thegap between adjacent turns 45 may be constant or substantially constant,even though the pitch may be variable (see, e.g., FIGS. 4B-C). The gapbetween turns 45 may be air, as a non-limiting example.

FIG. 4B schematically represents a spiral 44 of electrically conductivematerial, as seen in plan view, according to another embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 4B, spiral 44 may have a variable pitch,wherein the pitch (shown as Pt1, Pt2) may increase in a radially inwarddirection. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4B the followingrelationship may exist: Pt1>Pt2. As also shown in FIG. 4B, turns 45 ofspiral 44 may have a variable width, Wt wherein the width of first andsecond turns 45 a, 45 b, respectively (shown as Wt1, Wt2) may alsoincrease in a radially inward direction, wherein Wt1>Wt2.

FIG. 4C schematically represents a spiral 44 of electrically conductivematerial, as seen in plan view, according to another embodiment of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 4C, spiral 44 may have a variable pitch,wherein the pitch (shown as Pt1, Pt2) may increase in a radially outwarddirection. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4C the followingrelationship may exist: Pt1<Pt2. As also shown in FIG. 4C, turns 45 ofspiral 44 may have a variable width, Wt wherein the width (shown as Wt2,Wt3, Wt4) may also increase in a radially outward direction, whereinWt2<Wt3<Wt4.

With further reference to FIGS. 4B-C, in an embodiment wherein the pitchof spiral 44 may be variable (i.e., the pitch may increase or decreasein a radial direction), the width of the turns, the pitch, and the gapbetween opposing edges of adjacent turns, may be substantially asdescribed hereinabove with reference to FIG. 4A. In various embodimentsof the invention, the pitch of spiral 44 may be variable over all orpart of spiral 44, wherein the pitch over all or part of spiral 44 mayincrease or decrease in a radial direction according to either acontinuous or discontinuous gradient. In an embodiment, the variation inpitch and width between adjacent turns 45 of spiral 44 may extend over150 or more turns 45 of spiral 44.

Spiral 44 of the invention may be at least substantially planar. Coilsof spiral 44 may be laterally or radially spaced-apart. Spirals 44 ofthe invention may be configured such that the width of a given turn ofspiral 44 is much greater than the gap between that turn and an adjacentturn (see, e.g., FIG. 4A). Therefore, most of the external surface areaof a spiral inductor 32/62 formed by spiral 44 may be occupied byelectrically conductive metal of spiral 44 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7A-B).Although spirals 44 of FIGS. 4A-C are shown as being at leastsubstantially circular in configuration, other configurations includingoval, square, rectangular, and the like, are also within the scope ofthe invention. In a square or rectangular configuration of spiral 44,acute angles and right angles may be avoided; for example, in someembodiments spiral 44 may have obtuse angles (see, e.g., FIG. 7B).

In accordance with the concepts of the present invention spiral 44includes at least one, and preferably a plurality, of edge temperaturesensors 41 that are mounted to monitor the edge temperature at an edgeregion of the of the spiral 44 (see FIGS. 4A-4C). Spiral 44 alsoincludes at least one center temperature sensor 42 mounted to monitorthe center temperature of a center region of the spiral 44. The edgetemperature sensors 41 and the center temperature sensor 42 providecorresponding edge temperature signals and center temperature signal,respectively, to the control loop 25 (see FIGS. 4A-4C). As stated above,the control loop 25 compares the received edge temperature signals andthe received center temperature signal and provides a frequency controlsignal to the power generator 15. The control loop 25 may utilize, forexample, a state machine or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID)algorithm to provide the frequency control signal to the power generator15.

In further accordance with the concepts of the present invention, in theevent that the edge temperature of the spiral 44 is high compared to thecenter temperature of the spiral 44, then the control loop 25 willprovide a frequency control signal that causes the power generator 15 toincrease the operating frequency, thereby effectively driving heat tothe center of the spiral 44; in the event that the center temperature ofthe spiral 44 is high compared to the edge temperature of the spiral 44,then the control loop 25 will provide a frequency control signal thatcauses the power generator 15 to decrease the operating frequency,thereby effectively driving heat to the edge region of the spiral 44.

FIG. 5 schematically represents a multi-layer spiral inductor having aplurality of vertically stacked electrically conductive spirals, as seenin side view. As shown, spiral inductor 32/62 may include three,vertically stacked spiral layers 46. Each of spiral layers 46 mayinclude a spiral 44 of electrically conductive metal (see, e.g., FIG.4A), wherein each spiral 44 may be disposed on a support layer (notshown). Spiral inductor 32/62 may comprise an active spiral inductor 32for an active electrode unit 30 (see, e.g., FIGS. 9A-C), or a returnspiral inductor 62 for a return electrode unit 60 (see, e.g., FIGS.13B-D).

Although three layers are shown in FIG. 5, other numbers of layers arealso within the scope of the invention. Typically, spiral inductor 32/62may include about two (2) to four (4) spiral layers. In general, themore spiral layers, the greater the inductive effect per unit area ofspiral inductor 32/62.

FIG. 6A schematically represents a central portion of a multi-layerspiral inductor, as seen in side view. Spiral inductor 32/62 may be acomponent of an active electrode unit 30 or a return electrode unit 60.Spiral inductor 32/62 may include a first or outermost spiral layer 46a, an innermost spiral layer 46 b, and at least one intermediate spirallayer 46 c. For each spiral 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c, only a first, asecond, and a third turn 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, respectively, are shown inFIG. 6A for the sake of clarity, it being understood that each spiral 44a, 44 b, and 44 c may comprise from about 20 to 150 or more turns. Turnsof spirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c, including first, second, and thirdturns 45 a, 45 b, 45 c, as well as additional turns not shown in FIG.6A, may be generally referred to as turns 45 (see, e.g., FIG. 4A).

Again with reference to FIG. 6A, first or outermost spiral layer 46 amay be defined as a layer of spiral inductor 32/62 that is closest to,or in contact with, the patient's body during use of spiral inductor32/62 (e.g., as a component of active electrode unit 30 or returnelectrode unit 60). In some embodiments, intermediate layer 46 c mayrepresent one or more spiral layers, although only a single intermediatelayer 46 c is shown in FIG. 6A. In another embodiment, intermediatelayer 46 c may be omitted to provide a two-layer spiral inductor (see,for example, FIG. 6B). Each layer of spiral inductor 32/62, e.g.,outermost layer 46 a, innermost layer 46 b, and intermediate layer 46 c,may comprise spiral 44 a, spiral 44 b, and spiral 44 c, respectively.

With further reference to FIG. 6A, spirals 44 a-c may be referred to asa first or outermost spiral 44 a, a second or intermediate spiral 44 b,and an innermost spiral 44 c, respectively. Each spiral 44 a, 44 b, and44 c may comprise an electrically conductive metal, for example as ametal trace or filament. Spirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c may each have thesame spiral configuration, e.g., each spiral 44 a-c may have the samenumber of turns, the same pitch, the same trace width, and the same gapwidth, etc. In an embodiment, spirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c may bestacked vertically such that radially corresponding turns of each ofspirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c are aligned with each other. Spirals 44 a,44 b, and 44 c may be disposed on a first or outermost support layer 52a, an innermost support layer 52 b, and an intermediate support layer 52c, respectively.

With still further reference to FIG. 6A, turns 45 of spirals 44 a, 44 b,and 44 c may be electrically coupled in the following manner: each turn,e.g., first turn 45 a, of first spiral 44 a may be electrically coupled,in series, to a radially corresponding turn of each successive spiral,i.e., turns 45 a′ and 45 a″ of spirals 44 b and 44 c; and, each turn ofinnermost spiral 44 c, e.g., turn 45 a″, may be electrically coupled toan adjacent, radially outward turn of first (outermost) spiral 44 a,i.e., turn 45 b. An exception to this pattern of connection may existfor the radially outermost turn of innermost spiral 44 c, since theradially outermost turn lacks an adjacent radially outward turn (e.g.,as can be seen from FIG. 6A, turn 45 c″ could not be coupled to anadjacent, radially outward turn of first spiral 44 a, since there is noturn located radially outward from turn 45 c″).

The same manner of interconnection as described with reference to FIG.6A may be used for other numbers of vertically stacked spirals 44, eachhaving any number of turns 45. Each turn 45 may be electrically coupled,in series, to a radially corresponding turn of each successive spiral byvertical connections 48, while each turn of innermost spiral 44 c may beelectrically coupled to an adjacent, radially outward turn of outermostspiral 44 a by radial connections 49. In this regard, all radiallycorresponding turns of adjacent spiral layers may be interconnected byvertical connections 48, whereas radial connections 49 only coupleradially non-corresponding turns of innermost and outermost spirals 46b, 46 a, respectively.

For the embodiment of FIG. 6A, the interconnection of turns 45 of spirallayers 46 a-c to provide a three-layer spiral inductor may be describedmore specifically as follows:

1) first turn 45 a of the first spiral 44 a may be electrically coupledto a first turn 45 a′ of second spiral 44 b,

2) first turn 45 a′ of second spiral 44 b may be electrically coupled toa first turn 45 a″ of third spiral 44 c,

3) first turn 45 a″ of third spiral 44 c may be electrically coupled toa second turn 45 b of first spiral 44 a,

4) second turn 45 b of first spiral 44 a may be electrically coupled toa second turn 45 b′ of second spiral 44 b,

5) second turn 45 b′ of second spiral 44 b may be electrically coupledto a second turn 45 b″ of third spiral 44 c, and

6) second turn 45 b″ of third spiral 44 c may be electrically coupled toa third turn 45 c of first spiral 44 a, etc. Thus, first turn 45 a, 45a′, 45 a″ of first through third spirals 44 a-c, respectively, mayjointly define a first set of turns of spiral inductor 32/62; each of aplurality of successive sets of turns of first through third spirals 44a-c may be coupled to each other in series; and each turn 45 of thirdspiral 44 c may be coupled to an adjacent radially outward turn of firstspiral 44 a. As noted hereinabove, an exception to this connectionpattern may exist for the radially outermost turn of third spiral 44 c,which naturally lacks a radially outward turn. It is to be understoodthat the coupling between specific turns enumerated hereinabove may beperformed in sequences other than as listed to provide a multi-layerspiral inductor having turns electrically coupled as shown in FIGS.6A-B.

In describing the manner of interconnectivity of turns 45 for theembodiment of FIG. 6A, first turn 45 a, 45 a′, 45 a″ of first, second,and third spirals 44 a-c, respectively, may represent the radiallyinnermost turn of the first, second, and third spirals 44 a-c,respectively; first, second, and third spirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c maybe vertically stacked on top of each other. First spiral 44 a may occupyfirst or outermost spiral layer 46 a; and third spiral 44 c may occupyinnermost spiral layer 46 b (see, FIG. 6A).

For purposes of illustration, each spiral 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c is shownin FIG. 6A as having first, second, and third turns 45 a, 45 b, 45 c,respectively, wherein first turn 45 a may be located substantiallycentrally with respect to each spiral 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c. In practice,each spiral 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c may comprise from about 10 to 200turns, typically from about 20 to 150 turns, often from about 30 to 150turns, and usually from about 40 to 120 turns. However, the manner ofinterconnecting turns of spirals 44 a, 44 b, and 44 c may be as shown inFIG. 6A regardless of the number of turns in each spiral. Namely, eachturn, e.g., turn 45 a, of first spiral 44 a may be electrically coupled,in series, to a radially corresponding turn (turns 45 b, 45 c) ofsuccessive spirals 44 c, 44 b; and each turn 45 of innermost spiral 44 cmay be electrically coupled to an adjacent, radially outward turn 45 offirst spiral 44 a, with the proviso (as noted above) that a radiallyoutermost turn of innermost spiral 44 c is not so coupled to an adjacentradially outward turn of first spiral 44 a.

FIG. 6B schematically represents a central portion of a multi-layerspiral inductor 32/62, including two stacked spirals, according toanother embodiment of the invention. Spiral inductor 32/62 of FIG. 6Bmay include a first or outermost spiral 144 a and a second or innermostspiral 144 b. Turns of first and second spirals 144 a, 144 b includingfirst and second turns 145 a, 145 b, as well as additional turns notshown in FIG. 6B, may be referred to herein generically as turns “45”(see, e.g., FIG. 4A). In the spiral inductor 32/62 of FIG. 6B, turns 45of spirals 144 a, 144 b may be interconnected between layers 46 a and 46b as follows:

1) first turn 145 a of first spiral 144 a may be electrically coupled toa first turn 145 a′ of second spiral 144 b,

2) first turn 145 a′ of second spiral 144 b may be electrically coupledto a second turn 145 b of first spiral 144 a,

3) second turn 145 b of first spiral 144 a may be electrically coupledto a second turn 145 b′ of second spiral 144 b, and

4) second turn 145 b′ of second spiral 144 b may be electrically coupledto a third turn 145 c of first spiral 144 a, etc. It is to be understoodthat the coupling between specific turns enumerated hereinabove may beperformed in sequences other than as listed to provide a multi-layerspiral inductor having turns electrically coupled as shown in FIGS.6A-B.

With further reference to FIG. 6B, radially corresponding turns of firstand second spirals 144 a, 144 b may be interconnected by verticalconnections 148, while connection between turns of second spiral 144 band a radially outer turn of first spiral 144 a (i.e., between radiallynon-corresponding turns) may be by radial connections 149. First turn145 a, 145 a′ of first and second spirals 144 a, 144 b, respectively,may jointly define a first set of turns of spiral inductor 32/62. Eachof a plurality of successive sets of turns of first and second spirals144 a, 144 b may be electrically coupled to each other, and each turn ofsecond spiral 144 b may be coupled to an adjacent radially outward turnof first spiral 144 a, with the proviso that the radially outermost turnof second spiral 144 b lacks an adjacent radially outward turn. It canbe seen that the interconnection of turns 45 of the two-layer spiralinductor 32/62 of FIG. 6B follows the same general pattern of electricalcoupling as for the embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A schematically represents a spiral inductor, as seen in planview. Spiral inductor 32/62 of FIG. 7A may have a substantially circularor oval configuration. Spiral inductor 32/62 may include a spiral trace44 of electrically conductive metal having an inner terminus 47 a and anouter terminus 47 b. For clarity, sections of the spiral trace 44 thatare between the terminuses are not shown in FIG. 7A. Spiral inductor32/62 may include a plurality of turns, from a first turn 45 a (radiallyinnermost) to an nth turn 45 n (radially outermost). In an embodiment, nmay be from about 10 to 200 or more, substantially as describedhereinabove. Spiral inductor 32/62 may have a perimeter, Ps, and anexternal surface area As defined by the perimeter. The electricallyconductive metal of spiral 44 may occupy at least about 50% of a totalsurface area As, that is to say, at least about 50 percent (%) of theexternal surface area of spiral inductor 32/62 may be occupied by spiral44. Typically, electrically conductive metal of spiral 44 may occupyfrom about 60 to 99% of external surface area, As; usually from about 70to 99% of external surface area, As; often from about 75 to 98% ofexternal surface area, As; and in some embodiments electricallyconductive metal of spiral 44 may occupy from about 85% to 97% ofexternal surface area, As. Spiral 44 may have a diameter, Ds, typicallyin the range of from about 20 to 0.1 cm, usually from about 12 to 0.2cm, and often from about 10 to 0.4 cm.

FIG. 7B schematically represents a spiral inductor. Spiral inductor32/62 may include a spiral trace 44 of electrically conductive metalhaving an inner terminus 47 a, an outer terminus 47 b, and a pluralityof turns, 45 a-n, substantially as described for the embodiment of FIG.7A. For clarity, sections of the spiral trace 44 that are between theterminuses are not shown in FIG. 7B. Spiral inductor 32/62 of FIG. 7Bmay have a substantially square or rectangular configuration, aperimeter, Ps, and a surface area As defined by the perimeter. Spiralinductor 32/62 may include a spiral trace 44 of electrically conductivemetal. Spiral trace 44 may occupy a percentage of surface area, Asgenerally as described with reference to FIG. 7A.

In an embodiment, spiral inductors 32/62 of FIGS. 7A-B may comprise asingle spiral 44 which may be at least substantially planar. In anotherembodiment, spiral inductors 32/62 of FIGS. 7A-B may comprise aplurality of vertically stacked spirals 44, wherein each of theplurality of spirals 44 may be at least substantially planar.

Spiral Inductors for Active Electrode Applications

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically representing an electro-surgicalinstrument, according to another embodiment of the invention.Electro-surgical instrument 20 may include a handpiece 22, an activeelectrode unit 30 and a control loop 25. Active electrode unit 30 mayinclude an active spiral inductor 32. Electro-surgical instrument 20 maybe coupled to power supply 15 (see, e.g., FIG. 2) to form apparatusconfigured for the application of electrical energy, via spiral inductor32, to a target tissue of a patient. Electro-surgical instrument 20,active electrode unit 30, and active spiral inductor 32 may have variousother features, elements, and characteristics substantially as describedherein for various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9A schematically represents a spiral inductor for an activeelectrode unit, as seen in plan view, according to an embodiment of theinvention. Active spiral inductor 32 may comprise an electricallyconductive metal spiral 44 (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-C). As an example,spiral 44 may comprise a spiral trace of electrically conductive metal,such as Cu, Al, or various alloys. In an embodiment, spiral 44 maycomprise a filament of the electrically conductive metal. In anembodiment, spiral 44 may be formed by a printing process or aprinting-like process. An external surface 42a of spiral 44 may define atreatment face 36 of spiral inductor 32 and active electrode unit 30.Only a radially inner portion of spiral 44 is shown in FIG. 9A, whereasspiral 44 in its entirety may include many more turns. For example, inan embodiment spiral 44 may have from about 10 to 200 turns, typically20 to 150 turns, often from about 30 to 150 turns, and usually fromabout 40 to 120 turns. Spiral 44 may have a variable or constant pitchbetween adjacent turns (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A-C).

Spiral 44 may be disposed on a support layer 24. Support layer 24 maycomprise an electrically insulating or dielectric material. Examplesinclude, but are not limited to,Teflon, Polyamide, FR4, G10, Nylon,Polyester, Kapton, Silicone, or Rubber. In an embodiment, support layer24 may be at least substantially equivalent to one of support layers 52a-c (see, FIGS. 6A-B). In use, spiral 44 may be disposed between supportlayer 24 and the patient's body. Active spiral inductor 32 may beconfigured for evenly distributing electric current density thereovervia self-inductance of spiral 44. Active spiral inductor 32 may beconfigured for selectively heating a target tissue of the patient's bodyand for providing a tissue-altering effect on the target tissue.

FIG. 9B schematically represents a portion of a spiral inductor 32 foran active electrode, as seen in side view, according to an embodiment ofthe invention. (In comparison with FIG. 9A, which shows spiral 44disposed on top of support layer 24, FIG. 9B is shown as beinginverted.) Spiral inductor 32 may be at least substantially planar. Inan embodiment, spiral inductor 32 may comprise a spiral 44. Spiral 44may include an external surface 42 a. External surface 42 a may be abare metal surface of electrically conductive metal spiral 44. Externalsurface 42 a of spiral 44 may define a treatment face 36. Externalsurface 42 a and treatment face 36 may be configured for contacting apatient's body (see, e.g., FIG. 14). Treatment face 36 may be at leastsubstantially planar.

FIG. 9C schematically represents a multi-layer spiral inductor for anactive electrode unit, as seen in side view, according to an embodimentof the invention. As shown, active spiral inductor 32 may include aplurality of vertically stacked spirals 44 a-c. Spiral 44 a may be anoutermost spiral 44, while spiral 44 c may be referred to as aninnermost spiral. Spiral 44 b may be referred to as an intermediatespiral. In use, spiral 44 a may be closest to, or in contact with apatient's body, while spiral 44 c may be the furthest from the patient'sbody. Each spiral 44 a-c may be disposed on a corresponding supportlayer 24. An external surface 42 a of outermost spiral 44 a may define atreatment face 36 of active spiral inductor 32. Other numbers of spirallayers 46 a-c are also within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 10A schematically represents an active electrode unit, as seen inplan view, and FIG. 10B shows the active electrode unit of FIG. 10A inperspective view, according to another embodiment of the invention.Active electrode unit 30 may include a plurality of active spiralinductors 32. Active spiral inductors 32 may be at least substantiallyco-planar, or horizontally arranged, on support layer 24. The externalsurface 42 a (see, e.g., FIG. 9B) of the plurality of spiral inductors32 may jointly define a treatment face 36. Treatment face 36 may be atleast substantially planar. Treatment face 36 may be configured forcontacting a patient's body, and for applying electrically energy to atarget tissue of the patient's body. Active electrode unit 30 may becoupled to power supply 15 to provide an electrosurgical apparatusconfigured for independently energizing each of spiral inductors 32 ofactive electrode unit 30. Active electrode unit 30 and power supply 15may be configured for sequentially energizing spiral inductors 32. Eachof the sequentially energized spiral inductors 32 may be energized forvarious time periods. In an embodiment, a sequence and/or period ofenergization of spiral inductors 32 may be based on atemperature-related feedback mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 10A, each active spiral inductor 32 may besubstantially circular in configuration; however, other configurationsare also within the scope of the invention. Although active electrodeunit 30 is shown as having seven (7) active spiral inductors 32, othernumbers and arrangements of active spiral inductors 32 are also withinthe scope of the invention.

FIG. 11 schematically represents an electrosurgical instrument,according to another embodiment of the invention. Electrosurgicalinstrument 20 may include a handpiece 22 and an active electrode unit30. Active electrode unit 30 may include a plurality of spiral inductors32. Active spiral inductors 32 may be at least substantially co-planar,such that an external surface 42 a of spiral inductors 32 may jointlydefine a treatment face 36. A cord or cable 25 a may be coupled tohandpiece 22 for electrically coupling active electrode unit 30 to apower supply (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, and 14). Handpiece 22 may include ahousing 26 having a handle 28. Handpiece 22 may be grasped by handle 28for guiding or moving active spiral inductors 32 and treatment face 36relative to a treatment area of a patient's body, skin, or target tissueto be treated by electrosurgical instrument 20. Active electrode unit 30of FIG. 11 may have other features and elements substantially asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 10A-B. Other configurations forhandpiece 22, including housing 26 and handle 28, are also within thescope of the invention.

It should be understood that the particular embodiments of the inventiondescribed in this application have been provided by way of example andthat other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the invention as express in theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A system for treating tissue comprising: a handpiece including anelectrode having a laterally extending surface area with a centralregion and an radially outer region, said electrode being positionableadjacent the skin of a patient; a first sensor arranged to monitor thetemperature of the central region of the electrode; a second sensorarranged to monitor the temperature of the radially outer region of theelectrode; a power supply for delivering RF energy to the electrode at aparticular frequency; and a control unit coupled to the power supply andthe first and second sensors, said control unit for adjusting thefrequency of the RF energy delivered to the electrode based ontemperatures measured by the first and second sensors.
 2. A system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the control unit adjusts the frequency of theRF energy delivered to the electrodes in manner to minimize thetemperature difference measured by the two sensors
 3. A system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the control unit decreases the frequency ofthe RF energy to the electrode when the temperature measured by thefirst sensor is greater than the temperature measured by the secondsensor.
 4. A system as recited in claim 3 wherein the control unitincreases the frequency of the RF energy to the electrode when thetemperature measured by the first sensor is less than the temperaturemeasured by the first sensor.
 5. A method of treating tissue with RFenergy delivered through a handpiece carrying an electrode positionedadjacent to the skin, said electrode having a laterally extendingsurface area with a central region and an radially outer region, saidmethod comprising the steps of: monitoring the temperature of theelectrode at both the central region and the radially outer regionthereof; and adjusting the frequency of the RF energy delivered to theelectrode in order to minimize the difference in the monitoredtemperature between the central region and the radially outer region ofthe electrode.
 6. A method as recited in claim 5 wherein the frequencyof the RF energy is increased when the monitored temperature of theouter region of the electrode is higher than the monitored temperatureof the central region of the electrode and wherein the frequency of theRF energy is decreased when the monitored temperature of the outerregion of the electrode is lower than the monitored temperature of thecentral region of the electrode.